Nearly 2,000 USA food products recalled over rodent, bird waste contamination

Nearly 2,000 products, including household favorites like Cheerios, Skittles, Pringles, and Nutella, have been recalled due to rodent and bird contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported. The recall was issued after inspectors found “the presence of rodent excreta, rodent urine, and bird droppings in areas where medical devices, drugs, human food, pet food, and cosmetic products were held.”

Gold Star Distribution, Inc., based in Minnesota, initiated the recall last month, and on 22 January 2026, the FDA elevated it to a Class II designation. This means that eating or using the affected items “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” No illnesses have been reported so far.

Affected products were distributed across retailers in Indiana, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Beloved snack and candy items include:

• Jif Crunchy Peanut Butter

• Nutella

• Skittles

• Snickers

• Twix

• Haribo Gummy Bears

• Pringles

• Takis

Breakfast items and ingredients affected include:

• Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Cereal

• Cheerios

• Quaker Corn Meal

• Special K Cereal

• Lucky Charms Cereal

Popular drinks included Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Smart Water, and Arizona Iced Teas. Medical items recalled were Halls Defense Vitamin C drops, Mentos Gum with Vitamins (Citrus flavor), Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin, and Benadryl.

Rodents can carry Leptospira, the bacteria that cause leptospirosis, and contaminated products may also carry Salmonella, which can cause serious illness. Symptoms of salmonella infection typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last four to seven days. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever and chills, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, headache, and dehydration. Severe cases may lead to bacteremia, joint pain, or infections of other organs.

People at higher risk include infants, young children, adults over 65, pregnant people, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea, bloody stools, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration should seek medical attention immediately.

What consumers should do:

1. Destroy affected products immediately; do not return them to Gold Star Distribution.

2. Request refunds from the company if needed.

3. Consult a physician if you or your pets have consumed the recalled products.

For a full list of affected products and retailers, visit the FDA recall notice.